From Mob Lawyer to Mindfulness Mentor: The Transformation of Bob Martin

Seeking God Every Day: A Conversation with Minister Paul Granger

In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with minister and podcaster Paul Granger, who has spent the past two decades serving in various ministries. He currently works full-time with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and hosts the podcast Where Did You See God?, where he explores how people experience the divine in everyday life. We dive deep into Paul's personal journey—how he was drawn to ministry, the challenges and revelations he's encountered, and the most profound lessons he's learned over nearly twenty years of service. We also engage in a raw and thought-provoking discussion about theology, the nature of God, and the problem of evil. Some of the big questions we explore: * What are the core tenets of Christianity? * How does Paul reconcile God’s goodness with the existence of suffering? * What does he believe about hell, the afterlife, and divine justice? * If someone spends their life alleviating suffering but doesn’t believe in God, would they still be condemned? In our scripture discussion, Paul shares passages that hold deep personal meaning, and I offer my own perspective, leading to an engaging back-and-forth on faith, doubt, and human purpose. Paul is a genuinely wonderful human being, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did! Connect with Paul Granger: * Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/09iYlqdR8ZOuzu9hZXV3wb?si=a04adb73768f447d * Website: https://www.wheredidyouseegod.com/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wheredidyouseeGod/ * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WheredidyouseeGod * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheredidyouseegod/

LGBTQ+ Affirming Christianity: Romell Parks-Weekly on Theology, Identity, and Belief

In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with Romell Parks-Weekly, the spiritual leader of The Sanctuary in Saint Louis, and an Overseer in the Church of the Everlasting Kingdom. Romell is a theologian, author, and LGBTQ+ advocate who has dedicated his ministry to affirming and uplifting the queer community within Christianity. We discuss his journey—from growing up religious and coming to terms with his own identity, to becoming a minister and ultimately leading an openly gay-affirming church. We dive into theological discussion about scripture, dogma, and the misconceptions surrounding Christianity and homosexuality. We also explore broader existential and spiritual questions, including the nature of God, the problem of evil, and what it means to find purpose in life. As an atheist and former Mormon, I also share my personal struggles with spirituality while raising my children outside of organized religion. Romell offers insight on cultivating a child’s spirituality without dogma, and we reflect on the evolving role of faith in an inclusive world. This is a deep and thoughtful conversation about faith, identity, and the intersection of religion and personal belief. In my opinion, Romell represents the best of Christianity. He's a truly wonderful human being and it was an honor to talk with him. Where to connect with Romell: Website: https://www.rparksweekly.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/overseerparksweekly Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rparksweekly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rparksweekly TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rparksweekly

Breaking Free: Josh B Morton's Journey Out of Jehovah's Witnesses

In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with Josh B Morton, an ex-Jehovah's Witness, speaker, and author of Jehovah's Fucking Witnesses. Josh shares his powerful journey of breaking free from the intense control of his religious upbringing and reclaiming his identity. We explore what life was like growing up as a devout Jehovah's Witness, from indoctrination and the intense feelings of shame and guilt. Josh opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to question his beliefs, his experiences with doubt, and the challenges he faced when stepping away from the faith. We dive into the complexities of leaving a high-control group, unlearning harmful teachings, and navigating life beyond religion. Throughout the conversation, Josh offers insights into religious trauma, personal growth, and how he found the courage to share his story through his book. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned their beliefs, experienced the pain of religious control, or sought a life of authenticity and freedom. Where to connect with Josh: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshbmorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshbmorton Threads: https://www.threads.net/@joshbmorton Website: https://mailchi.mp/8b83f2d9184d/jbm-newsletter

War, Awakening, Psychedelics, and the Path to Healing with Susannah Stokes

After serving two combat tours in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps officer, Susannah Stokes found herself questioning everything she once believed. What started as a military career dedicated to structure and discipline eventually led her down a completely different path—one of spirituality, healing, and guiding others through deep transformation. In this episode, Susannah shares her journey from the battlefield to becoming an energy priestess and psychedelic guide. She opens up about her early experiences with faith, the challenges she faced as a woman in the Marine Corps, and how war shaped her understanding of the world. We discuss her spiritual awakening, her work with psychedelics, and the importance of integration after these profound experiences. Susannah also speaks about co-founding House of Embodied Metamorphosis, a faith-based organization that uses plant medicine to help others heal and reconnect with themselves. This is an open and deeply honest conversation about war, trauma, purpose, and the search for something greater. Whether you're curious about psychedelics, questioning your beliefs, or simply drawn to stories of profound personal change, this episode is one worth listening to. Find Susannah’s Work: Website: Metamorphosis.Ventures [https://metamorphosis.ventures] Instagram: @embodiedmetamorphosis [https://www.instagram.com/embodiedmetamorphosis] Susannah’s Instagram: @susannahroses [https://www.instagram.com/susannahroses]

From Mob Lawyer to Mindfulness Mentor: The Transformation of Bob Martin

In this episode ofIn Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with Bob Martin—a man whose life journey is anything but ordinary. From serving as a lawyer for the mob to becoming a corporate consultant, restaurant owner, and now a professor of wellness and mindfulness coordinator at Elon University, Bob’s path is one of radical transformation. We explore his early experiences with religion and spirituality, his time navigating the legal world of organized crime, and the profound awakening that led him to Taoism and mindfulness. Bob shares insights from his bookI Am the Way, which reimagines biblical teachings through the lens of Taoism, and discusses the challenges and beauty of mixed-faith marriages. We also dive into some of life’s biggest existential and spiritual questions, examining the nature of meaning, belief, and what it means to live a fulfilled life. Bob offers practical wisdom on meditation, mindfulness, and overcoming personal struggles with spiritual practice Where to Find Bob Martin:🌎Website: https://awiseandhappylife.com/ 📌Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/awiseandhappylife 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-martin-995b30127/